Works by Sofía Morales, Elisa Seiquer and María Dolores Andreo on display in the centre of Cartagena

The latest exhibition to open at the Museo Regional de Arte Moderno (Muram) in Cartagena features works by three female artists who formed an essential part of the artistic creativity of the Region during the 20th century.

“Ellas brillaron en la penumbra” (literally “they shone in the gloom”) showcases 47 paintings and 10 sculptures, most of them by Sofía Morales, Elisa Seiquer and María Dolores Andreo although other artists included are Ana de Tudela, Aurora Mateos and Teresina Valdivieso, highlighting the role of these unsung contributors for the benefit of a new, young public. At the time when they were working the world of art in Murcia was still dominated by men, and as a result they were perhaps recognized less than they would have been in other parts of Europe, or at other times.

Sofía Morales (1917-2005) was born in Cartagena and was taught by the painter Joaquín before embarking on a career which won international recognition with an exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center of Cincinnati in 1954 and a year later in Paris. This was followed by further exhibitions in Tangiers, Madrid, La Habana, Frankfurt and Santo Domingo.

María Dolores Andreo (1934-2006) took part in many collective exhibitions in Spain in the 1960s before becoming a regular exhibitor on her own in the 70s and 80s, and also produced two books of poetry during a long and distinguished career.

“Ellas brillaron en la penumbra” is open to the public at the Muram until 27th May on weekdays apart from Mondays between 10.00 and 14.00 and from 17.00 to 19.00, on Saturdays from 11.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 20.00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 11.00 to 14.00.